I just returned from a two week trip to Turkey. I did some research before I bought a carry on and decided on Air Boss. I was very pleased with the bag, from its quality construction, to its capacity and appearance. I liked that the strap stayed on my shoulder but the bag did get heavy on long walks through airports and I will take a look at the replacement strap mentioned in other reviews. Overall an excellent choice.

55

med student

By mparrott, oregon, February 17, 2013

I'm a medical student and also in the military. For rotations I need to take all the normal clothes one would need plus uniforms. Couldn't fit it all in one bag; but the AirBoss is amazing. It will be used for residency interviews next year as I'm sure I can get 3-4 days with uniforms no problem. For a month rotation I used this bag and a Sky Train which worked perfect; although I had to check bags.

55

Great bag

By Shane Day, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, February 15, 2013

I've had my own Air Boss for about 6 months now and have used a borrowed one for occasional travel before that. Simply put, for single-bag travelling, it's the best product I've ever used. Everything about it is designed to be used and (if necessary) abused in the real world. The zippers won't break or jam, the outside won't scuff, the strap won't slide off my shoulder, and I can easily put a full week's worth of clothing and gear inside of it for marathons. It's capacity has actually gotten me into trouble with Lufthansa as I was able to place far more into it than I thought was possible. :)

Overall, great product and one I'd happily recommend to others.

45

Very good item

By Philip, UK, February 14, 2013

I work offshore and travel a lot around the world. In many instances I can take a maximum of 12kg (25 lbs) for a 28 day trip.

This means that well designed luggage is critical for me.

The Air Boss bag is excellent. There are perhaps 3 or 4 items on the global market that hit the spot of being capable of ticking all the boxes for a guy who has to live out of carry on for 6 months a year.

I interchange between the Air Boss and my Victorinox Standard Issue. The Victorinox is perhaps a little more corporate looking, a little tougher feeling, but weighs more when every ounce counts and does have a much higher price. (It is worth it though, if you can find one).

Over the last decade I have bought and tried perhaps 30 or so bags and almost all of them fail in design, durability or functionality almost immediately leaving me feeling very disappointed... again.

This is NOT one of those bags. It hits the spot.

If you are clever enough to realise that it doesn't have wheels and a bag you fill with things will weigh as much as the total of the things you put in the bag and the bag itself (a lot of people have complained about how heavy the bag gets) and you know what you are buying and why you are buying then this is highly recommended.

There are a million carry ons with wheels. There are few worth using that conform to cabin regulations and don't have wheels.

If you specifically don't want wheels and want a true CARRY ON bag, this has to be one of the few you should give the time of day to.

55

Excellent workmanship

By Mark, Northwest Indiana, February 12, 2013

The bag is very rugged and durable, with strong zippers, fixtures and fastenings. It is very well constructed and will take a pounding. I would suggest that the central compartment could contain some inside pockets and/or dividers; this way, it will be easier to organize office/work stuff for business trips.

45

I like this.

By Adrian Denegar, Victoria, BC, February 7, 2013

I like this bag.

It's practical because it is the largest legal sized piece of luggage that can be brought with you on an airplane.

It's practical because you can pick about three to five days' worth of clothing and personal items within its dimensions.

It's a time saver because it helps you avoid having to check-in luggage, thereby saving you at least 15 minutes at the luggae carousel! I mean, I think of a million other things that I'd prefer to do than hang out with the other schleps waiting for their luggage.

My only gripe is that the luggage tag needs to be embedded within and top of one the side pockets. That would reduce the risk of your all-important luggage tag being RIPPED OFF in some over-worked robot luggage sorter at the airport.

Also, the shoulder strap needs to have more cusheon. Carrying all your shit in this one bag is going to make your shoulder sore, even if you're a middle aged guy likemyself who is in relatively good physical shape. Extra shoulder strap padding wouldn't detract from the value of this bag.

All in all, worth the money if you're willing to forgo the physical comfort of having more luggage. I think it is.

I like this.

55

Excellent Bag

By Colin, Continental US travelling, February 3, 2013

I bought this bag as a classical musician who travels often for gigs and auditions. Since my instrument is always my "personal item" I wanted the largest possible carry-on with no wasted space. This bag managed to carry my clothing for a week PLUS white tie attire, a suit, two extra pairs of shoes (formal and running), and my laptop/charger. While packed THAT full it didn't quite fit in an overhead, but honestly attempting to fit that much in a carry-on was folly to begin with. Nonetheless, it all fit and was easy to carry through the airport. I'm confident that when I only need ONE set of formal attire I'll easily be able to go a few weeks out of this bag. Great design, great feel, great service.

45

This bag made me a convert...

By Richard, New York, NY, January 31, 2013

I found out about the Air Boss via OneBag.com. After extensively checking reviews, I decided to give the Air Boss a chance. I have a bad back, so this was really a leap of faith.

Un-bee-liev-able.

The Air Boss has more room than I expected - so much so that I actually overpacked. Despite that, and even though I dreaded picking it up each time, I was pleasantly surprised every time that the bag was so well balanced that it wasn't a problem to carry.

Construction is as good as they say. And it was a revelation to have everything in one carryon that was smaller than most rollers. I couldn't be more pleased with this bag and I couldn't recommend this more highly to anyone. You'll be shocked at how much it accommodates.

FYI: I deducted one star (would have preferred if I could take away 1/2 star) because the strap was a bit of a letdown. But I had followed recommendations to buy an Op/Tech strap as a replacement -- perfect.

55

Perfect

By Scott, Tennessee, January 31, 2013

Excellent bag

Excellent construction

Exactly what I needed

35

Good bag that could be a great bag

By Christopher, Modesto, CA, January 25, 2013

There have been many reviews extolling the positive virtues of this bag, and I agree that the quality, overall design, and workmanship of the bag is outstanding. There are several imrovements I would suggest in order to make the bag even better.

First, the strap does indeed become uncomfortable when the bag is fully loaded. As many people on various forums have recommended, I purchased a different strap from another manufacturer, and the problem was solved. I use the RedOxx strap on my gym bag, and it is perfect for that.

Second, the hand grip is not padded in any way. I bought an aftermarket grip wrap that makes the bag much more comfortable to carry.

Third, I had inquired about buying a bag without the logo, and was politely declined. As I was seeking a bag in "business black" I removed the bright red logo and sewed on a different patch. Many business travelers prefer black luggage that is understated in appearance. The red logo is the opposite of this. I suspect this is a deterrant for many potential RedOxx customers.

55

It's like magic!

By Jeff, York, PA, January 25, 2013

I'm not sure how this bag swallows all of my XXL clothing and other necessities for a 4-5 day business trip while still fitting into the tiny overhead on a regional jet, but it does just that. It must be some sort of magic! Viva Red Oxx!

55

Air Boss

By Larry, San Antonio, TX, January 24, 2013

I really like this bag it is very much like one I used for years and had to look long and hard to find a replacement.

The only thing that would make it better for me is to loose the snap pocket and add a zipper as I don't care for the open pocket.

I got more than one comment on how good the bag looked while waiting to board an airplane.

55

Truly Amazing

By Anonymous, Connecticut, January 24, 2013

I needed a carry-on bag for my trip to Europe that could actually hold a good amount of clothing and one that I could live out of comfortably. I also needed it the next day. I am happy to say that this bag and the service from Red Oxx far exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high. I also required that the bag could easily pack a suit, and this bag succeeded with minimal wrinkling in a fraction of the space other bags required. I will continue purchasing product from Red Oxx and I am happy that they make it here, in the good ole' USA.

55

Top Notch!

By George, Fairfield, CA, January 24, 2013

After quite a bit of researching the options, I opted to take the plunge and buy the Air Boss. The product arrived quickly and I am most impressed with the quality of the material; it exemplifies the adage, "You get what you pay for." I've already gone on one trip and am impressed. The bag took all my clothes, running shoes, toiletries, paperwork, etc and still fit easily in the overhead bin on a full flight. I sense that this bad boy is going to last me a long time! Thanks, Red Oxx!

55

Thankfully... NO WHEELS

By Philip, North Sea, January 23, 2013

I see a lot of negative comments about there being no wheels or the bag being too heavy.

Bottom line - there are hundreds of bags on the market with wheels and how much do you expect a bag to weigh when you carry everything you need to live out of.

I work offshore for a month or 6 weeks at a time. I have no access to shops to get anything else I need. This bag is perfect for me.

Wheels add an extra kilogram to a bag and I have a weight allowance of 12kg all in. That's less than 30lbs to take everything I need to live for a month: toiletries, loads of clothes (including suitable for arctic conditions), a computer and peripherals, kindle, etc.

So, I needed a bag that could cope with it all, be robust, this is the one.

55

Solid Performer

By Anonymous, Vancouver, BC, January 22, 2013

I bought this bag after just 1 hr of online searching... After 2 years of living out of it, I am qualified to say it does a fine job. I was moving, on average, every 4 days so I packed and unpacked over 360 times without any visible signs of wear. Minimal shoulder strap use but comfortable when the occasion arose. Laptop fit in center pocket with shorts rolled up under it for added protection. My life's possessions fit in this Air Boss, Nomad Shave Kit tucked vertically in center pocket, and the Gypsy Suit Cover. This was 90% car travel, 10% plane/bus. Worth every penny.

55

"AAA" AIRBOSS

By MGP , CAPE COD, MA, January 22, 2013

The Air Boss carry-on is perfect, big enough, not bulky. Made in the USA.

55

air boss

By Larry, Amador County, CA, January 17, 2013

Haven't taken bag on air trip yet - but found it holds more than I thought. Strapped pockets keep pants and shirts from wrinkling. Could use an outside elastic pocket for water bottle.

55

My wife wants mine

By Larry Hills, Memphis, TN, January 7, 2013

I've had mine for about 8 months, been on the road with it and found it to be exceptional. Just went on a 9 day vacation where my wife had the opportunity to observe firsthand this particular bag's utility and compactness--and now she wants one for herself. Good thing I have my name on mine.

If you are considering buying, believe me that this bag truly has the perquisite value for the money.

55

Real travel room

By Dr. Neal Seymour, Virginia, January 3, 2013

Holds so much more than any rolling case! Was able to fit everything for a 7 day business trip to Europe including shoe shine gear. Carry-on luggage all the way. There is much more room than I had originally thought -- two pair of dress slacks, 6 dress shirts, leisure clothes, sandals - all toiletries.

Normally I would use a mid-size (not carry-on size) rolling case but the Air Boss made this a dream. It fit in the smaller trunks of European cars with ease. I wish I had one years ago. The quality is exquisite and the zippers a dream. Well thought-out and intelligently designed. Have just ordered a CPA case to go with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Air Boss carry-on legal?
Yes, the Air Boss is carry-on legal on most continental jet airlines and many international ones as well. Our bags fit!

What's the best way to pack the Air Boss?
We recommend you build your own packing cube kit. If you're not into cube packing, the bundle packing method is handy. Watch the packing Air Boss video or download a printable Air Boss luggage packing diagram (Pdf file).

What's the difference between the Air Boss and the Sky Train?
There are two principle differences between the Air Boss and the Sky Train: The Sky Train has retractable backpack straps and opens flat lengthwise whereas the Air Boss opens flat like a book and is carried by a shoulder strap.

Will the Air Boss fit under the seat in front of me?
If it will fit, you can go ahead and cram your Air Boss under the seat, just be sure to slip the Claw Shoulder Strap inside the bag so it won't get caught on anything, (or anyone).

Will the Eagle Creek packing cubes fit the Air Boss?
Skip those cheap imported packing cubes and create your own custom Red Oxx Packing Cube Kit. Or try our Nomad Shave Kit, Lil Roy Gadget Bag or Tri-fold Toiletry bag as packing cubes? You can color co-ordinate them to your preference and they come with useful carry handles. The Tri-fold Toiletry Kit is also a brilliant shave kit organizer due to its three individual zippered mesh pockets and unique fold-open-flat hanging design.

How many pounds will the Air Boss weigh when packed?
It depends on what you pack. A typical 3-5 day load will weigh about 20-25 pounds.

How many days of travel can I fit in the Air Boss Carry-on?
Most travelers can get about 3-5 days with a typical load. Some adventurous types have been able to pack from a week to ten days! It all depends on how you pack and what you pack.

Where do I pack my laptop?
You can use the center compartment. We recommend that you use a padded neoprene sleeve to protect your laptop.

What's the best way to pack footwear?
Sole-to-sole to minimize the dirt and placed in the middle compartment inside a plastic bag.

Can I change the logo color?
Sure. Simply order your favorite color Logo Patch and sew it on yourself. Red Oxx cannot change the logo patch colors for you.

Can I order a bag without the logo?
Logo Patches are centered using a hole punch. If you remove the patch, there will be a hole in the bag that could cause a snag. Red Oxx cannot build a bag without a logo as this would disrupt the efficiency of the production line. Feel free to use a permanent marker to color the red patches black.

Is there a way to securely lock my bag?
Sure, you can use any TSA approved bag lock or try our Cable Lock for a simple, semi-secure solution. Watch this video where CEO Jim Markel demonstrates how you can use the cable that comes with the product Dog Tag price tag to secure your bag. Keep in mind, any determined thief can still cut open a soft sided bag with a sharp knife.

Are there any interior pockets?
The Air Boss has three large internal compartments. In the interest of simplicity, there are no internal pockets.

My zipper broke. The teeth have separated. Do I send it in for warranty repair?
No need for warranty repair, try and fix it yourself. Check out this video where CEO Jim Markel shows how easy it is to do it yourself.

Can you ship USPS?
Yes, Red Oxx will ship USPS upon request. Simply state, "Please ship USPS" in the cart comments during checkout and we will adjust your billing accordingly.

EXPERT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.
Follow the link to learn Doug Dyment's bundle wrapping technique so you can fit everything you need, and nothing you don't, in your Air Boss airline carry-on bag to become a more organized and happier traveler. Not into bundle packing? Now you can pack and still be organized when you build your very own custom Red Oxx Packing Cube Kit.

WRINKLE-FREE TRAVEL.
Designed with three large main compartments, the Air Boss carry-on bag also features two outside zippered slip pockets; one full-length, one for your airline tickets, and an outside sleeve pocket for magazines, files, or a tablet. Inside the Air Boss are two outer compartments that each have buckled adjustable tie-downs inside to keep your belongings, or packing cubes, held in position and wrinkle-free until you unpack at your destination.

A SPACIOUS PLACE FOR YOUR TRAVEL BELONGINGS.
The center compartment is spacious enough to hold your Toiletries, extra shoes, work-out gear, business briefcase, etc. Volara closed-cell foam padding is sewn into the sides, so you've got a rigid, yet flexible, piece of carry-on luggage that still protects your valuable belongings.

A UNIQUE CARRY STRAP THAT NEVER SLIPS OFF.
Includes detachable padded nonslip Claw Shoulder Strap that keeps your bag where you want it - on your shoulder.

DISCOVER HOW TO PACK IT.
Watch the Air Boss Packing Video posted here as Red Oxx Ambassador Kasey Austin from Austin Adventures shows how to best use many of the bag's thoughtful features.

PROTECTION FOR YOUR LAPTOP.
Looking for extra protection for your laptop? A neoprene laptop sleeve is recommended. A "macho" option is to put it in a Metro Briefcase, which will then fit in the center compartment of the Air Boss, adding further protection and giving you a "one bag" travel option...with two bags inside one.

However, please be aware that this can become a very heavy bag to carry if you decide to try this! To accommodate the extra weight try adding a second Claw Shoulder Strap and then carrying the Air Boss "backpack style" (one strap over each shoulder). This can help offset the added load. See Photos tab for how this is done.

SIX REASONS TO OWN A RED OXX AIR BOSS:

1. A RELIABLE BUSINESS TRAVEL BAG BUILT LIKE A TANK.
Our fans like to define our gear as "built like a tank". While obviously you're not going to be toting around bags that weigh 50 tons and have three inches of armor plate, still the comparison is valid. For a soft sided carry-on bag, the American made Air Boss is built tough. Starting with the most durable, flexible, and practical textile material available -- 1000 weight CORDURA® Brand Nylon, the Air Boss is built using super-strong UV-resistant thread that's stitched into every seam. Rugged, reliable and tough.

2. BOUND AND BAGGED = STURDY SEAMS.
Places where two separate pieces of fabric are stitched together are then bound -- that is, we take a long piece of one-inch wide nylon webbing and fold it over the edges of the two pieces and stitch them together, this creates a strong seam, known as a binding, that prevents the pieces from unraveling on the inside of the bag, and gives it a clean, finished look on the outside of the bag.

3. BINDING INSIDE / BINDING OUTSIDE, NEVER UNRAVELS.
In addition, each exposed outside fabric edge, such as on a pocket flap, is also bound using a thicker binding material. Inside edges typically receive a thinner nylon webbing, whereas outside corner edges that are exposed to heavy wear have a thicker nylon binding. All of our binding material is vertically woven to prevent the fraying, peeling or splitting that you may commonly see in competitors carry-on bags that brag of "binding" their edges.

4. WHY DOUBLE BOX STITCHING?
Each stress point, such as where the handles attach to the bag, is double box stitched for unbreakable strength - which is where we get the "double XX" in our name, Red OXX; a stitching practice we adapted from our experience as parachute riggers.

5. MY, WHAT BIG ZIPPERS YOU HAVE!
The reason Red Oxx uses the largest practical zipper available, the #10 YKK VISLON® zipper, is that they're easily repairable, even in the field; they will hold their place, that is, they "lock"; they are difficult to penetrate, thereby increasing the security of your belongings from casual theft; they function smoothly in inclement weather, and they can be yanked from a variety of angles without losing teeth or becoming separated.

6. PUTTING THE HARD IN HARDWARE.
Red Oxx has occasionally been accused of "overdoing" our hardware. But once you've had a cheap piece of imported plastic "hardware" break in the middle of a busy intersection, airport or other inconvenient locale dumping your precious belongings all over the ground for everyone to see (and steal), having a heavy-duty nickel-plated or stainless steel D ring or attachment swivel that weighs just a tiny bit more, or might be a little "jingly", is a travel companion's confidence builder and peace-of-mind maker. After all, you want to enjoy your journey as best you can. Why worry about having your favorite carry-on travel bag bust apart and break you down?

IS THERE ANOTHER CARRY BAG OPTION?
Looking for a similar capacity carry-on bag but with retractable backpack style shoulder straps for hands-free carry? Try our other popular airline travel bag, the Sky Train. Is the Air Boss too big? Check out our compact carry-on bag, the Mini Boss.

Join the fleet feet crowd and travel carry-on with the Carry-on Commander of the ship: the mobile Air Boss!

"No Bull" no question's asked Lifetime Warranty. Because Red Oxx lasts longer.
American designed AND hand made in Billings, Montana U.S.A..
UPS Transit Shipping Time Map.
UPS Ground Shipping in the U.S.A. is $13.00 (orders up to $260.00).
UPS or USPS Priority International to Canada is $30.00. Australia and New Zealand is $55.00. All other International orders are $50.00. More information on International Shipping here.

EMAIL POLICY: Online orders will receive an order confirmation email, a UPS tracking information email when your order ships and a product review request follow-up email eight weeks after delivery. In addition, backorders beyond a dozen working days may receive an order follow-up assurance email. During checkout purchasers have the option to opt-out of our other occasional email notifications. Your email address is always secure.

Air Boss Trivia:On the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, the Air Boss is in charge of all the operations of the flight deck. He controls the moving of planes on deck, landing of aircraft, launching aircraft, ordinance handling, and safety of all the personnel occupying the flight deck. The Air Boss oversees from the command tower. Orders are communicated with the flight deck via megaphone. Ex: "Hey brownshirt. Get out of that checked baggage line and on the plane, now!"